The word "ultimate" has long been common currency among firearm enthusiasts, but if there is a combat and tactical pistol for which this term is absolutely appropriate, it is the Beretta M9. This legendary semiautomatic handgun won the historic contract with the US military in 1985 and achieved a triumphant contract renewal after more than two decades of hard use in the world's toughest and most extreme conditions, from the scorching deserts of Iraq to the frigid heights of the Afghan mountains. The M9 offers a variety of tactical features that make it equally safe, easy to use and dependable in the holster of military personnel as well as for home or personal defense. Its reversible magazine release enables the use of either hand for tactical magazine changes, while its ambidextrous safety/decocker makes the pistol flexible for right or left handed shooters. Its Bruniton finish is highly resistant to sweat and corrosion, and after shooting, a tool-free disassembly latch makes it simple and quick to take the pistol apart for cleaning.